New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-29

hrst occasion on which have looked at the models Of
any contending yachts.
The Thistle could only be from above tho huh ana
the Volunteer only from below. was surprised to d
great departure In the model OF the Thistle from
the English cutter Of former days, but stn
more to find 20 much similarity in tile
models Of tho two sloops. in view Of the
fact as understood that neither designer the exact
character of tho model his opponent would adopt left
vessels thinking that the would under any cir
close one although believe the dimen
sons and model Of Volunteer the better for high
speed.
Tho narrative OF the above Il chiefly given in hope that
you may consider entitled to ask for space in
journal to say word in behalf of Mr. Watson, the de-
sgner of the sloop Thistle, who. think. 10 not being
generously treated by Mr. Schuyler both In his latter
of Saturday last addressed TO James D. Smith. esq,
chairman Americas Cup Committee as also in his re-
In this mornings TRIBUNE.
the letter giving his decision MT Schuyler says hs
load line Is necessarily factor In giving the Dimensions
one can conrovert these statemens; notwitbsand
ing admission do lot think the fact that the dscrep
feet as w while building and the
actual length of SO 46lOO feet ascerained after launch
INK duss pes
model Of the vessel in saying an error was made by
or y M In nic
much wish distinctly to disclaim any discourtesy toward
taking profile view Of the Thistle it will readily be
soon her recedes Immediately and very rapidly
at and below her load rlne-tho stern rndder
post also than usual These facts that
change OF trim or = deeper immersion than
was originally expected would materially In.
crease the load.water line Of the Thistle and
account in measure for the difference in the
and actual load water line length Of the Scotch cutter
Mr. Watson says in bis letter to Mr. Bell sit was mpos
sibe to give exactly tho waterline length but adds
" this, however IL her designed length 49, feet and
when she is aHoat and in racing trim nuly completed
inch or two out either way" Now, the fault committed
by Mr. Watson, too common on the part OF designers
in stating definitely 20 Mr. Bell the length OF the
water-iine when In racing trim. for he had
no right or good reason 10 assume he could
determine accurately with such formed stem as that
Of the Thistle the length OF her water Line The result
proves he could not aud that he Is at fault No
doubts his honest intention when fixing upon the length
OF water line given BY him to the challenger, but he
was indiscreet
designer or constructor OF sailing or
essels be able to state with absolute accuracy
before or during early stages OF construction tho
exact draft Of wator his vessel would nave
after completion. not because OF the diff
Guilty OF computing weights calculating tho
OF oaton but Of knowing absolutely the quaint
character OF all the materials and the amount OF
equipments ultimately required -, r.. Att.
Hence We zee the fatal mistakes made both In this
country and Europe IN the estimate or calculation OK
displacement of vessels OF Importance. L.
Ifeei have right to say this because have had
much experience and was remarkably SUCCESSFUL III
never having made such mistakes When you take into
to Mr.. Watson, as he saws new type OF boat
then In process OF building with an extraorii-
narily rake both ends, particularly forward,
at aud below her load water line Also mat every
additional uch OF immersion added inches to her load
waterne length and possibly the weight OF the vessel
final equipment proved greater than he antci-
the censure which Mr.. Schuyler's language implies.
Waidheips, farrytoun. Sept "a, 1897 W. Il. WEBB